Welcome to my blog for reviewing the best Mexican restaurants and food in Orange County, CA. I intend to cover as many as I can . . . and all sorts and price ranges: "From taco trucks to fine dining . . . and everything inbetween." Newer entries tend to focus on photos more than words. Number of restaurants covered so far: 268+. See The List

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Okay, there's more restaurant reviews coming even though it's been a while (getting a post ready about a place that has locations in Huntington Beach and Anaheim) and it might be kind of lazy to post Taco Bell news but I wanted to post something and they just sent me some news. I try to post what I get and I think this is the first time Taco Bell has actually sent me something. If you want me to post something about your restaurant then send it on in: reviews@ocmexfood.com. You don't have to be a corporate giant. You just have to be selling Mexican food in Orange County.

Also, I do like that Taco Bell (yes, that Taco Bell) is trying to be more authentic, that they've hired an accomplished Latina chef and are willing to take input from her. It's Taco Bell and we all know what that means but they are trying. And that counts for something. The promo images here even showcase "Lorena Garcia" more than "Taco Bell." Actually they don't mention Taco Bell at all. That's a courageous move for them. It's like, if you want to get Chef Lorena Garcia's food then you can go to her restaurant . . . which just so happens to be in that place that's all over the place. Anyways... they've just introduced this new Cantina Bell Steak Burrito. From the video below it looks like they put some effort into making it turn out right yet still quick and easy to make for a wide audience. Let us know if you try one and I'll update here if I'm able to grab one soon.

Here's some of the press release info from them:

ABOUT THE NEW STEAK & CANTINA STEAK BURRITO

As part of Taco Bell’s commitment to quality and
listening to consumers, this new steak is the latest menu item to
Cantina Bell, which was launched nationally in 2012. Taco Bell also
introduces the NEW Cantina Steak Burrito featuring this
all-new tender-braised thick-cut steak marinated in Chef Lorena’s
signature recipe in addition to premium Latin rice, flavorful black
beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, roasted corn & pepper salsa,
romaine lettuce and a creamy cilantro dressing, all wrapped
in a warm flour tortilla.

Through our latest YouTube video,
you can see how Chef Lorena Garcia and the Taco Bell team tested nine
different versions of the steak in order to bring out the best balance
in flavors and texture.

QUOTE FROM LORENA

“One of the pillars for the Cantina Bell menu is
the balance in flavors and contrast in textures. There are so many
components that need to be right to make it the best possible steak,”
says Chef Lorena Garcia. “When I started working on
perfecting the steak, I knew we had a long way to go. Sometimes it was
too deep, too spicy or overwhelming. I really wanted to find that flavor
that is so unique to the Latin culture. We went back and forth on many
things from consistency and tenderness, to
the cut and marinade. After nine rounds, we got the steak just right
and are excited to introduce Taco Bell’s best steak ever!”

ABOUT THE CANTINA BELL MENU

Cantina Bell provides Taco Bell customers with an
expanded menu of quality options at a great value—plus with the
convenience of a drive-thru. The complete menu includes a Cantina Bowl
or Cantina Burrito with either the all new marinated
thick-cut steak or 100% all-white chicken, guacamole, cilantro rice,
fire-roasted corn salsa, cilantro dressing, black beans, romaine lettuce
and pico de gallo. Side combinations include: chips and pico de gallo
or fire-roasted corn salsa, or chips and guacamole.

ADVERTISING DETAILS

Viewers tuning into pre-game of the Super Bowl
XLVII on Feb. 3 can see a new Taco Bell spot, “Grande Papi,” which
features the New Cantina Bell Steak Burrito and uses a Spanish version
of the 1994 hit song "Big Poppa."

Additionally, two spots “Finally” (TV, Radio) and “Start Over” (TV) will air in W2; Hispanic versions will also air.